The bag is knitted in one piece, then seamed at the sides. The top of the bag has a rib pattern and the main pattern is a twisted stitch lattice with textured centres. Where the twisted stitches meet, they are wrapped by pulling the yarn around the stitches. This lattice design gives the bag stability and strength.

I lined the bag with fabric in a contrasting design and I also used iron-on interfacing as a backing material. This makes the bag robust and gives it stability too. I love the contrast of the very patterned lining material with the textured cable knit design.

Wrapped Hexagons by Emma Vining

The bag is finished off with smart leather handles from U-handbag.com. I have used leather bag handles from U Handbag several times for my bag designs and I love how the smart handles lift the whole design.

Tuesday, 23 February 2016

Congratulations to the Unravel 2016 organisers for putting on such a brilliant event! Unravel has the perfect mix of workshops, talks, demonstrations and fabulous shopping. This year I was very excited to be helping Alison Ellen on her stunning stand.

Beautiful Knitwear by Alison Ellen

Alison had copies of her new book, Knitting: Stitch Led Design, for sale and this was the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to knit one of the designs to come along and try on the finished garment. You can read more about Alison's book in my recent blog write-up here. Talking to knitters about the construction of Alison's stunning modular designs was really inspiring and I loved every minute I spent on the stand.

Alison wearing one of her beautiful designs

One if the things I like the best about shows like Unravel are the chance meetings. As there were so many people at the Show, there was great demand for tables and chairs at lunch time and everyone ends up sharing tables with people they have never met before. Well, we all have something in common, don't we! Conversation is easy and I met such nice people while I ate my lunch.

The Great Hall at Farnham Maltings

I had a chance to have a quick look around Unravel and it was great to catch up with the extremely busy Louise Walker and her critters too. Louise has lots of exciting projects on the go and I love hearing what she is doing and seeing who or what she is knitting next.

Louise Walker and her Critters

Only time for a very quick hello with Fiona Morris and Jane Crowfoot as there were so many people visiting their stands. Fiona had lots of her beautiful knits on show, including one of my favourites, Pewter, a stunning cardigan design from the Knitter Magazine's Platinum Collection. Jane was surrounded by visitors all admiring her beautiful crochet designs and buying her brilliant kits. You can see more of Jane's gorgeous designs on her website here.

Alison from Yarn in the City always wears the most amazing Converse and I immediately spotted her sparkly green shoes as I went to purchase my copy of the London Craft Guide. This great directory covers the London area and beyond and the day trips are a such a good idea. While I was browsing at the stand, I couldn't help buying a hank of soft milburn 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns. Can't wait to get swatching with this as I have lots of ideas for this gorgeous yarn!

The London Craft Guide and Miburn 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns

My last stop was Purescence where I treated myself to some Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply and lace weight. I love the sheen of the silk and the softness of these yarns - so beautiful!

Scrumptious yarns by Fyberspate from Purlescence

There was so much to see at Unravel and although I didn't get the chance to look at everything, I loved the displays of all things yarn and craft related that filled every part of the Maltings. Really looking forward to next year's show already!

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About Me

I am an enthusiastic and creative knitter with a strong interest in the design and technical aspects of knitting. In this regard, I am proud to be a contributor to magazines such as The Knitter, Simply Knitting and Knit Today and a designer for Yarn Stories.
As an active member of the Knitting & Crochet Guild, I regularly contribute articles to the Guild publication, Slipknot. You can always find me on the Guild Stand at events like the Knitting and Stitching Show, so please come along and say hello!
As well as being an experienced knitter, I am City and Guilds qualified, having completed the Level Three Certificate and Diploma in Hand Knit Textiles.
An important part of my design research involves attending knitting events such as the Knitting and Stitching Show, The Knitting History Forum and the ‘In the Loop’ Conferences. Additionally, I find lots of inspiration at the Victoria and Albert Museum through gallery visits and participating in events, talks and study days.
On my knitting needles at the moment are new projects and designs that combine multiple techniques with innovative ideas.